What to Know about Seasonal Jobs for Teens

Last updated September 3, 2025

In this article

Prepare in advance
Be aware of your options
Network
Know your rights and opportunities

Seasonal jobs are great opportunities for teens to earn money when they have free time from school. Whether it’s over summer break or during the holiday season, there are some key things to keep in mind to get the most out of your seasonal job. We share what teens should know about seasonal jobs!

Prepare in advance

If you want to work over the holiday or summer breaks, be sure to apply for jobs at least one month before you want to start working. When you start applying, it will be helpful to have your resume and cover letter ready to update and customize to each job you apply for.

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Be aware of your options

Depending on the time of year, there may be an increase in hiring. For example, in the summer, many cities host Summer Youth Employment Programs, which offer entry-level summer jobs to young people at local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and city governments. There may also be openings in your area for positions such as camp counselor, lifeguard, or childcare worker. During the holidays, there are also short-term ways to earn money with holiday-specific pop-ups, such as Halloween stores or Christmas tree sales. Large retail stores are also often looking to hire short-term workers during this time. Be sure to explore options like these when starting your job search.

Network

When starting your job search, be sure to reach out to your network to see if anyone knows of seasonal opportunities. If you’re in college, the career center can also support you in your search!

Once you land your seasonal job, your coworkers and managers will become a part of your network, too. Building professional relationships with them may lead to getting a reference for future employment, finding a mentor, or even returning to the same job season after season!

Know your rights and opportunities

Depending on your age, there may be limits to the amount of hours you can work per shift or per week, so it’s important to know your rights as an employee if you are under 16. Working on holidays can also mean making more money, since companies may offer “time and a half” pay for employees. This means that if you normally earn $20 per hour at your seasonal job, you would instead be earning up to $30 during peak days. Be sure to ask about this possibility when you’re hired.

Additionally, you will need to track your earnings for tax purposes, depending on how much you make in a given year. Your paycheck will deduct taxes from your overall pay each pay period, but when filing your taxes (if needed), you may be owed a refund. Talk to an educator or trusted adult if you are unsure about whether you will need to file taxes.

Learn more about managing your money wisely!

Do you have any questions about finding a seasonal job as a teen? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.